DIFC Sculpture Park to add to art scene after Art Nights elevates it

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced the fourth edition of the DIFC Sculpture Park, themed Enduring Forms. Open to the public from November 26, the open-air gallery will feature over 50 artworks by 27 artists, inviting visitors to explore how art begins with raw materials and leaves an enduring trace.

As part of the launch, DIFC, in collaboration with Dubai Cares, will also deliver on the commitment made through the Sculpting Futures initiative introduced during the third edition of DIFC Sculpture Park.

The enterprise features a unique sculpture created by artists Sawsan Al Bahar and Bahar Al Bahar in partnership with Firetti Contemporary gallery. The sculpture represents the power of a wider initiative, which has been created by DIFC and Dubai Cares. The initiative has helped to harness the DIFC corporate community to raise Dhs1,000,000 to support the development of youth skills globally across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

Three-headed Shadow Horses at DIFC Art Nights.

Contributors’ names will be permanently carved onto the sculpture, which will initially be displayed under the DIFC Gate Building, before being relocated to DIFC Square for permanent installation on the Sculpting Futures project’s completion in 2026.

Visitors to Sculpture Park will also be able to see works of other global artists like Anna Chekh, Jerzy Kedziora, Anetta Szabo, Matti Sirvio, Mustafa Aykurt and Evelyn Brader-Frank, among others. Representing Emirati heritage in the form of an abstract falcon will be Mustafa Khamash, who will showcase the Wings of Unity, flying the colours of the UAE flag. By enriching Dubai’s artistic and cultural scene, Sculpture Park DIFC will reinforce its status as a vital art hub, besides elevating Dubai’s standing as a global arts destination.

An unparalleled opportunity awaits art enthusiasts, school groups and the public, to immerse themselves in art and culture! Since DIFC Sculpture Park access is free of charge and open to the public, all art and culture enthusiasts are highly encouraged to visit it.

A composition by Anna Chekh.

Earlier (Nov. 13 — 16), DIFC Art Nights returned for its 20th edition, featuring over 200 artworks, 150+ artists and representation from 100+ nationalities. It united thought leaders and the community through immersive experiences, public art, and inspiring conversations. The milestone edition – representing two decades of profound activity – was an extraordinary celebration of art, culture and creativity under the stars (it was held in DIFC’s open spaces), and highlighted DIFC’s ongoing role in shaping Dubai’s art and cultural scene.

During the four nights, FADA’ immersive experience by Elevision, created in collaboration with kanvas and curated by Astrid Lesuisse, was a first-of-its-kind installation that transformed Gate Village into a captivating realm of light and motion. Phoenix Art Group brought together 20 talented artists to create live paintings during the event; it was a vibrant tribute to a decade of artistic expression at DIFC. More live art took place to delight audiences, with artist Nour Bazarbashi working live on a wall during the art showcase.

DIFC Art Nights also presented five breathtaking digital showcases, including the UAE premiere of Nowadeus by Tim Christie & The Grid, an experience that transported visitors through a symphony of visuals, sound and storytelling, redefining the boundaries of digital art in the region. The digital showcase also hosted panel discussions by Christie’s Middle East and ZeeArts Gallery, featuring speakers Alya AlZarouni, Chief Operating Officer at DIFC Authority; Azza Al Qubaisi, Emirati artist; Nathalia Al Munsour, Ambassador of Slovenia; Itziar Salgado, General Manager and Director of Operations at Christie’s Middle East; and Zaahirah Muthy, Founder of ZeeArts Gallery and Art Connects Women.

Artworks by Anna Chekh.

In addition to regional and international artists, DIFC Art Nights showcased UAE talent including Faezeh M. Hassan, Fares Al Kaabi, Huda AlRais, Noura AlAli, Salama Al Mazrouei and Dr. Suaad Alshamsi. Resident galleries also participated in the event, including Perrotin Gallery showcasing a piece by Daniel Arsham and Opera Gallery, featuring work by Daniel Hourde. International contemporary artist Anna Chekh, originally from Ukraine, also unveiled a series of new works that continue to expand her evolving artistic practice. A highlight of her presentation was Shadow Horses, a symbolic three-headed sculpture interpreting the past, present, and future as a united foundation and a tribute to heritage, memory, and the generations ahead. The work resonates strongly with the cultural philosophy of the United Arab Emirates, where tradition and forward-looking vision coexist seamlessly.

A monumental three-metre stainless-steel version of Shadow Horses is currently installed at the DIFC Sculpture Park. Chekh further showcased her growing design direction, where art meets functionality. Among the new pieces was a sculptural bedside lamp, inspired by her iconic Shadow Man character, transforming collectible art into an object of everyday use. In addition, she presented a refined jewellery collection created in collaboration with the Thai brand Matara, as well as several new sculptural works and the well-loved Shadow Man editions in various formats.

Anna Chekh at DIFC Art Nights.

Notably, Shadow Man also achieved a successful auction result, selling for Dhs39,000 during an auction at the Museum of The Future in Dubai. A large sculpture of the Shadow Man is also recently showcasing at Sculpture Hamptons in New York, and will soon appear in Italy during the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Anna Chekh’s presence at DIFC Art Nights marks another step in her mission to merge art, design, innovation and cultural dialogue, within the global art landscape. The 20th edition of Art Nights was supported by Christies, Dubai Culture, Art Connects Women, Elevision, kanvas and hospitality partner, Gaia.